15 delegates, twelve from the Appin area
and three from Lismore took part in a seminar on 29th October 2007
sponsored by Scottish Sea Farms, SNH & HIE Argyll & the Islands Enterprise. Eric
Spence was the facilitator and the North Argyll Community Trust (NACT) supported
the steering group in organising the event.

Background Information:
The main aim of the March 2006 Strategy was to address the issues which underpin
the rural economy, and identify future projects with an emphasis on sustainable
tourism. A steering group with members from both communities was set up as a
result to take forward identified projects. So far, with help from Donald Black
and Marina Curran-Colthart, a walks leaflet for Lismore has been produced. Via
NACT, grant applications are in progress for restoring and promoting the
footpath network in the Appin area.

What this event was for:

To get feedback and ideas from the
residents of the area in connection with the Strategy.

A chance for new and established
residents of the area to meet and exchange ideas.

A chance to ask questions

What was discussed:

The five main points of the original
Strategy Document were addressed and discussed. These Are:

INTEGRATED & COORDINATED
INTERPRETATION

(Projects on Lismore and in Appin are
currently underway)

DEVELOPING OURDOOR ACCESS

TRANSPORT

HOSPITALITY ACTIVITES & EVENTS

INCOME GENERATION & LIVELIHOODS

The Outcomes of the Evening:

The following notes outline the main
issues raised by those present. They are listed below, but not in any order of
importance or significance. Many were raised in response to more than one of the
five man strategy points:

Strategy Awareness and increasing
community ownership. There is a continuing need to making the original
Strategy Document available for people to read, and letting people know how
they can see a copy. There are people who are new to the area who have never
seen it.

There is a lack of holiday
accommodation on Lismore at both the lower and higher ends of the market.
Lower-budget accommodation in the Appin area. A Bunk-house development might
work, or camping facilities. Would this be an opportunity for an existing
croft to develop?

The outcome of the STAG report
relating to ferries and transport will play a large part in determining how
future development is achieved. There were people with ideas for their own
businesses who would benefit from a car ferry from Port Appin.

There is a lack of public access to
the water in Port Appin, especially for small boats and dinghy’s etc. Would
it be feasible to reinstate existing slips in the area that are presently
derelict, as part of an access project? It was agreed that re-establishing
the slip in Port Appin would be a great asset to the area.

There is a lack of affordable
eating places in Port Appin – Is there scope for a café or similar business?

People with impaired mobility who
may want to visit Lismore may be able to make use of community transport to
be able to visit the museum etc. Better marketing and promotion?

Re-assessment of community
transport in the area – car-sharing/dial a bus/community buses on the
mainland to link up with public transport?

Could the Lomond Sea plane land in
the area?

Would local businesses be
interested in shared training events held locally, maybe provided locally by
Argyll College of HIEAIE, rather than having to send their people to Oban
and beyond?

Is there potential to market local
products and produce?

Appin & Lismore is at the centre of
the new Oban to Fort William path. Should we be encouraging path users on
foot and bike to stop off here for longer, or use the area as a base for
further exploration, by providing facilities and opportunities effective
promotion of the area?

Could there be a forum to promote
the area, and better website and

Is there a need for a new website?

There is HIE Argyll & the Islands
Enterprise help available

Community Support

Business start-up support

Business Development

Training Assistance

The Next Step

The Strategy Steering Group is meeting
again the New Year. It was thought that if people had more ideas for projects
that might be developed they should make contact with their local group (Alison
MacCorquodale in Appin 01631 730205 and Pauline Dowling(01631 760 293) on
Lismore). These will all be discussed at the January meeting and the next step
for Action decided.

Any comments can be directed to the two
above or Carol Collis at NACT 01852 300099, mail@nact.demon.co.uk

Circulation of this summary:

All the delegates who came to the
meeting

Those who expressed and interest but who
could not attend

The residents of Appin & Lismore via

Lismore and Appin Community Websites

Lismore Museum

Appin Community Council

Lismore Community Council

HIE Argyll & the Islands

VisitScotland

SNH Oban Office

.

* Copy of the strategy available at
these locations in hard copy or on computer.